Family and friends of a Pabeek Gaak, the young man whose badly beaten body was found on a western Sydney street, say he was a good man and have no idea why someone would want him dead.
The 23-year-old's battered body was found by passers-by, outside shops in Ralph Place, Mount Druitt early on Wednesday morning.
An 18-year-old was arrested in Blacktown and remains in police custody being questioned over the death, which police believe occurred between 10pm on Tuesday and midnight.
Forensic investigators are still combing an area behind a the shopping centre where the body was found.
Detective Inspector Dave Goddard said it was too early to say how Mr Gaak died, but said he suffered trauma to his face and it's possible a weapon was used.
"We believe it is possible the person or persons responsible for the death may have caught a train from Blacktown to Mount Druitt around 11pm (Tuesday) night," Det Insp Goddard told reporters.
The 18-year-old in custody was arrested in Blacktown on Wednesday morning.
Mr Gaak came to Australia from Sudan about eight years ago, his cousin Chon Chon told reporters.
"Yesterday we were together. I don't know what happened," he said.
"I can't believe it. He's a good person, he's a good man."
His friend Festo Amoli said he didn't know who would target Mr Gaak in such a violent way.
"He's my friend. He's a good man, doesn't have any problem with people," he said.
Mr Gaak's devastated family have been speaking to Mt Druitt police, supported by South Sudanese community leader Emmanuel Kondok.
"He's a very good young man, he has no trouble at all," Mr Kondok said on behalf of the family.
"He's a man that loved everybody. He's a young man that came from a very good family.
"We're condemning this unnecessary act in this society."
Mr Gaak worked and spent his spare time playing soccer and socialising with his mates, Mr Kondok said.
Friends and relatives from across NSW are expected to gather in Sydney to remember him later on Wednesday.
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